The Titan submersible imploded on its journey to the wreck of the Titanic due to poor engineering and multiple failures to test the vessel, according to an official report.
Disappearing in June 2023, the Titan was carrying five passengers, including OceanGate's chief executive, when it tragically succumbed to catastrophes caused by design miscalculations and inadequate testing protocols.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) deemed the engineering processes employed in the development of Titan inadequate, which resulted in the vessel failing to meet critical strength and durability standards. The report articulated that OceanGate did not sufficiently test for the Titan’s structural integrity prior to its final voyage, leading to a lack of understanding regarding its operational safety.
Located around 372 miles from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Titan was targeting the Titanic wreck when it disappeared without warning. An earlier report by the US Coast Guard described the incident as preventable and particularly criticized OceanGate’s safety practices as critically flawed. The report detailed that Stockton Rush, alongside a group of explorers who each paid $25,000 to experience the dive, was at the helm during the Titan's last descent.
In conclusion, the unfortunate events surrounding the Titan not only spotlight engineering deficiencies but also raise larger questions about safety regulations in deep-sea exploration that may need reevaluation.
